Naomi Campbell says racist slur sparked air rage

LONDON (Reuters) - British Airways rejected claims of
racism on Saturday after supermodel Naomi Campbell, who pleaded
guilty to assault in a foul-mouthed "air rage" incident, said
she was likened to a black "Golliwog" doll during the flight.

BA said it did not accept the accusation made by Campbell,
who was convicted of assault on Friday and sentenced to 200
hours of unpaid community work, that someone on the flight
called her a "Golliwog supermodel."

"British Airways does not accept any allegations of
racism," the airline said in a statement. "We are proud of our
diversity.

"We have strict policies concerning dignity at work and
have long-standing training programs on diversity and
inclusion."

Campbell, 38, told Sky News in an interview that her flash
of air rage, in which she assaulted two police officers, swore
repeatedly and screamed abuse at the captain of the Los
Angeles-bound BA flight, was partly prompted by racist
comments.

"I was called a racial name on that flight and that was
part of my reaction," she said. "I was called a 'Golliwog
supermodel' -- I don't think that's really fair, do you?"

Asked who had used the term, which refers to a black rag
doll from children's literature, Campbell said: "Someone on the
flight, not the passenger."

During Campbell's court case, prosecutors said Campbell
ordered the airline captain to find her missing luggage and
became violent when police tried to escort her off the
aircraft.
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